Closed Discharge Valve

an Engineering & Service Bulletin

J.H. WRIGHT & ASSOCIATES

Technical Topics

OPERATION OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS AGAINST A CLOSED DISCHARGE VALVE

A frequently asked question is "how long can a particular centrifugal pump run against a closed discharge valve without damage to the pump?" While the answer to this question varies with the size of the pump and the motor driving it, the calculations are relatively simple. The first requirement is a family curve on the pump showing the horsepower required by the various impeller diameters at shut off. From the above curve, it can be seen that a 5" diameter impeller will draw 1-1/2 break horsepower when the pump is operating at no flow. The next thing you must know is the capacity of the pump casing in pounds of water. Let us assume our pump holds 8 pounds. Now, since the horsepower of the motor has no hydraulic work to do with a closed valve, that is, no water is being transported, then the shut off horsepower must be converted to heat. While some of this would be dissipated by radiation of the casing the majority goes to heat up the water in the casing. Remembering our high school physics for a moment, the BTU is by definition the heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. Also one horsepower converted into heat corresponds to 42.4 BTU's per minute. Therefore, the temperature rise of the water in the casing would be given by the formula:

From the above, you can see that operation of this pump for about twenty five minutes would vaporize the water. If the unit had close clearances, it would then seize up and damage the pump.

http://www.jhwright.com/topics/closed.htm[2010/08/09 02:04:57]

Closed Discharge Valve

One more word of caution, never operate a pump with closed discharge and suction valves. Several years ago, a large double suction pump driven by a 150 horsepower motor was being occasionally operated against a closed discharge valve. Unfortunately, one night the suction valve was also closed. The resulting explosion damaged property and injured plant personnel. The closed suction and discharge valves turned the pump casing into a boiler with no relief valve and as the 150 connected horsepower was converted to heat, the pressures increased to the explosive level.
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http://www.jhwright.com/topics/closed.htm[2010/08/09 02:04:57]